World Cup Countdown: Cahill in race to make Germany game

1 day to go

(EPA)

Australia talisman Tim Cahill is facing a wait to see if he will be fit for their opening group game against Germany in Durban on Sunday after injurying his neck. The Everton midfielder was forced to miss a practice match this week after picking up a strain during the 3-1 defeat to the US last weekend. More encouraging news for Pim Verbeek's team came with the return to training of Harry Kewell.

Greece defender Vangelis Moras remains a major doubt for their opening game against South Korea on Saturday, although fellow centre-back Sotiris Kyrgiakos has been given more of a chance to make the game in Port Elizabeth.

Ghana and Serbia have followed Australia in shifting their training bases just days before the tournament. The Black Stars relocated from Pretoria to Sun City due to "unresolved technical issues!", while the Serbs are to uproot from Johannesburg's AW Muller Stadium to a nearby Rugby Stadium. The countries face each other in Pretoria on Sunday.

A television advert running in South Africa has taken the country's fight against crime and terrorism during the tournament to new levels, claiming that Fifa and the South African Police Service are "pushing back the frontiers of evil." Buildings are stormed by armed officers and 40 helicopters are also shown, in between shots of the forces' new armoury and Fifa president Sepp Blatter promising fans and teams a safe World Cup.

Highlights of the day

Quote of the day

"William is focused on his goals. Don't count on me to blame him." France coach Raymond Domenech is not fussed by William Gallas' press conference no-show this week

Trumpeter of the day

"This can be our 12th man." South Africa's Carlos Alberto Parreira embraces the vuvuzela

Team spirit of the day

"We have to breathe as one when we come forward." Serbia manager Radomir Antic